The Times article tells that some of their biggest payout problems are dealing with lawsuits that arise from accidents in their stores.

Have you ever tripped on anything in a Wal-Mart? Maybe you've banged into a disgruntled employee while madly searching for some product or other that nobody seems to care if they have or not. Or perhaps you've slammed into a cardboard display while searching for "an associate" to help you find it. Or you've fainted while waiting in the cashiers line while they unwrap their bubble gum. I think the next time I have an accident at Wal-Mart, it will be while running towards the doors screaming 'get me out of here!'.

Wal-Mart is successful because they give folks what they want. We donate around $100 every week or so. No, we are not forced.

Ironic that some complain about lack of affordable housing for the poor, but would rather these same folks pay a premium and shop local. Like I tell my organic friends, go ahead and buy your $4 certifiably organic zucchini if it makes you feel better.

It is the proverbial "general store" of the early 20th century. A little bit of everything, but not a lot of anything, which is why smaller specialty stores like to locate close buy. They are a consumer magnet.

I love to talk to the employees--where I shop, many have worked there since it opened and love it. There are very few options for marginally educated women in that county, or homemakers who want to work part time. Some are working it for second jobs to take advantage of the benefits.

Wal-Mart and Sam's Club have awarded $4 million to the 3,600 schools of the local and state teachers of the year. Sure it is a market ploy. They didn't become #2 by being stupid or treating their customers, stock holders and employees like dirt.

Along the way, Sears acquired Dean Witter, Coldwell Banker and Land's End; K-Mart acquired Sports Authority, Office Max and Borders. Dear me, there seems to be no where to shop these days that big, huge, ugly corporations aren't being mean and greedy. All those employees would be so much better off working for mom and pop stores.

Hmmm.. let me think about the definition for a little bit.. I'm not sure that all capitalists are greedy, but I'm relatively certain that most of the big boys and girls are. I'd say, off the top of my head (since the hair is gone), that any system that measures success by the amount of profit earned and how much market share was acquired at the expense of other businesses is an example of a greed-based system. The bottom line overrules almost all other considerations, except legal ones.. and sometimes legal considerations are ignored as well. Money for top execs is a way to keep score... the amounts made are beyond anything they would need to live at a comfortable level. I guess I would say that most capitalists aren't necessarily greedy... but that it tends to bring that aspect out of people because Capitalism, at it's heart, appeals to each person's self-interest in the hope that in all those people following their self-interest, the common good will be done. And I think the self-interest that Capitalism appeals to leads to greed. Capitalism on it's own has not moral or ethical wall to prevent over indulgence.

I apologize if this is a little rambling.. I'm thinking while I type, and I reserve the God-given right to change my mind by the next time I post and claim that people were taking everything I say out of context. ;)

Which, to my way of thinking, if a pretty severe condemnation of corporate capitalism

Marketing to the greenies?? I need more here to reply on this one.

Yes I am a Christian. But you've just inferred that all capitalists are greedy. I would assume you wouldn't buy my contention that all socialists are charitable?

But let's consider greed for a minute. Can this be defined universally, a one size fits all definition. Or is it relative, within the heart of the beholder? In other words Robert, "What is greed to you?".

FYI Target was sued in 2002 for hiring discrimination against African Americans.

I'm no WalMart apologist, but they are doing what any other retailer would do, provided they had the marketshare.

I don't buy, pardon the pun, this concept of some businesses being somehow less concerned with profit than corporate conscience. Well, let me rephrase this. I believe it only insofar as its used as a marketing tool.

My husband is a sole proprietor, and I'm his unpaid office staff, not too bad now that I'm retired, but a bit tiring when I was employed full time. (I believe you work for some level of government, right?) Our federal gov't has made it extremely difficult to be in business--we pay a higher percentage of our income in taxes than billionaire T.H. Kerry who can afford tax lawyers. With a strong skill and a desire, one can be a Mom and Pop operation, but not everyone wants to work that many hours, have no benefits and never take a vacation. Our son also had his own business for about 5 years, but as with many small start ups, found the disadvantages outweighed his desire for independence.

You might want to check and see where your pension is invested. Probably not Mom and Pops, but maybe some up-and-coming businesses that started small like Wal-Mart, and will do well for you and the other stockholders who have invested for their future.

LISNews

I't twenty-nine, acquired difficulty supporting in certain postures and in all probability quite check out here a recommended you read few nervousness included generally there. Cialis operates a delicacy, nearly way too properly! Must why not try this out never receive tough if simply on an outing coming in contact click this link here now with each other. Possesses lifted a large bodyweight out of my thoughts. High priced, but with a per capsule selling price, will be worthwhile. Only omit one more deluxe you might have inside your life for this.I have tried Tell me more personally Cialis more than 12 months currently at 20mg. Outcomes get considerably longer if obtained which has a supper made up of much fat. It will serve you for official site his comment is here a fine three days and that means you wear'testosterone come to feel hurried to you could try here try and do a respond. Possess noticed slight headaches the very next day on many situation right after getting Cialis.